“A handgun, a 9mm pistol, was not secure. It was found to be in a storage case in a wardrobe in the accused’s bedroom,” he said.

“When first questioned the accused said he kept the firearm in the bedroom because of threats (he had received).”

Sen Cst Keal said there was no plausible explanation for the “excessive” amount of ammunition held on the property.

Media reports initially referred to Agape Ministries as a ‘doomsday cult,’ while former members of the group claim that leader Rocco Leo defrauded his followers.

Believing that life on Earth will end after microchips are implanted into everyone by the end of 2012, they reportedly sold their assets in order to move to a Pacific Island. The weapons were said to be needed for self-defense.

Claiming they were brainwashed, two former members have sued the cult and its leaders in an attempt to get their money back.